As businesses embrace Software as a Service (SaaS) solutions, testing and quality assurance are more crucial than ever. SaaS implementation testing plays a vital role in ensuring that these cloud-based software applications meet the desired standards of functionality, performance, and security. In this article, we will explore the changes in Quality Assurance practices with a focus on SaaS implementations. If you're interested in learning more about SaaS Portfolio Management solutions, we have a separate guide available.
The Importance of SaaS Implementation Testing
SaaS, also known as cloud-based software, offers numerous benefits such as cost-efficiency, scalability, and ease of access. However, the transition to SaaS demands a shift in quality assurance practices. Unlike traditional on-premise systems, where internal teams have full control over the software and infrastructure, SaaS solutions are hosted and supported by vendors, such as the Limina Investment Management Solution. This raises questions about the scope of quality assurance (QA).
Testing for a SaaS solution is distinct from testing software in two ways. You need to establish what is possible to test and what needs to be tested.
What is Possible to Test?
Testing a SaaS solution differs from traditional system testing in two notable ways. Firstly, there are limitations imposed by the vendor. SaaS vendors restrict access to their software to prevent unintended use, making certain types of testing, such as directly accessing the database for results, impossible.
However, most SaaS vendors, like Limina, typically offer more testing services compared to on-premise software vendors. You have access to Service Level Agreements (SLAs) that define uptime, issue response timeframes, and other performance metrics. Such an SLA takes away part of the required testing, as the vendor warrants various aspects of the service, not just the software.
While the vendor takes responsibility for certain aspects of testing and ensuring the overall resilience of the SaaS application, in-house quality assurance still plays a crucial role. They are accountable for verifying that the implementation meets the criteria of each deployment phase. This involves executing predefined sets of tests to validate the workflow, business logic, user experience, data processing, configuration, access management, and security.
What Needs to be Tested?
QA is an essential step in ensuring the success of a SaaS deployment. A QA team will execute predefined sets of tests to ensure that the implementation meets all given exit criteria. Clear roles and responsibilities between the client and SaaS vendor should be defined beforehand, including in the SLA, to address any potential gaps.
When it comes to testing, we believe it's more important to check if the SaaS vendor can respond to an issue with their system within the SLA, rather than testing for the absence of possible system issues. It is the vendor's responsibility to validate the performance and non-functional activities of the SaaS application, ensuring overall resilience, and maintaining the integrity of their integration touchpoints. This aspect of the solution should "simply work," and it's the responsibility of the vendor to guarantee this.
The core QA function focuses on the integration points between in-house/on-prem applications and those that are now SaaS hosted, ensuring that they work effectively. The core elements that QA typically cover in this regard include:
- Workflow
- Business logic
- User experience
- Data processing
- Configuration
- Access management and security
At Limina, we view our clients as partners in this journey. By collaborating closely, we can achieve better design solutions and build stronger, long-lasting relationships.
The Role of Agile Methodologies
Testing is an essential part of the iterative and incremental delivery process for Agile teams integrating with a SaaS solution. All functional and non-functional testing should be adopted as part of each sprint. By automating tests as much as possible, Agile teams enhance their ability to deliver quickly and efficiently.
With Agile methodologies, quality assurance is embedded upfront, allowing continual testing throughout development to de-risk delivery. This approach differs from traditional Waterfall approaches where testing is typically deferred to a late-phase stage.
By utilising an automated regression test suite, Agile teams can swiftly identify and address issues and inconsistencies, raising them with the SaaS vendor for quicker and more efficient resolutions. At Limina, our focus is on building relationships with our clients, ensuring they have a high level of confidence that the system meets their agreed-upon Service Level Agreements (SLAs).
Summary
As businesses increasingly adopt Software as a Service (SaaS) solutions, the significance of testing and quality assurance cannot be overstated. SaaS implementation testing plays a crucial role in ensuring that cloud-based software applications meet the required standards of functionality, performance, and security. While SaaS solutions bring benefits such as cost-efficiency and scalability, they also necessitate a shift in quality assurance practices due to the reliance on vendors for hosting and support. Clear communication, defined responsibilities, and collaboration between clients and SaaS vendors are essential for successful SaaS deployment. Agile methodologies, with their focus on continual testing and automation, contribute to efficient and risk-free delivery.
By prioritising relationships and ensuring adherence to Service Level Agreements (SLAs), SaaS vendors like Limina strive to build strong partnerships and instil confidence in their clients. Additionally, if you’re looking for a company to assist you with your implementation testing and quality assurance consultants such as Liqueo can help.
To learn more about Limina’s Enterprise SaaS Investment Management Solution book a demo now.
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